General Information
about Toy Dogs
All of the dogs listed below belong to the collection of dogs referred to as
Toy Dogs.
Dogs in the Toy Group were initially developed to
ease the lifestyle and provide pleasure to rich people. These dogs
were initially owned by the wealthy and were viewed by others as
status symbols - a luxury item with little apparent purpose. Dogs
in other groups had specific working roles and played a major part
in providing food for the table and therefore justified the cost
of their upkeep and care - these were the dogs which were commonly
owned by the lower classes. Changes in the economy, lifestyles,
living conditions and the environment brought the luxury and
pleasure of owning a toy breed dog to everyone.
The
Toy dogs are small, even diminutive in size.
Toy dogs are generally easy care pets however some do not
like young children and their fragility can be a concern in large
families. They have a tendency toward being "yappy". Toy dogs are
loyal and intelligent and especially good at learning tricks.
Toy
Dog Breed Duties
Characteristics and features of Toy Dogs have
been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who
already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance
was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and
puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful
for the duties they were intended for. Toy Group dogs had limited
duties which included the following tasks were were specifically
utilised in Oriental and European Courts by royalty and the
nobility:
Warmth
- A dog's temperature is between 100.2-102.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Warmth
- toy dogs sat on laps (hence the term 'lapdogs')
Warmth
- toy dogs warmed beds in cold castles and palaces
Companionship
Status
symbols
Although
toy dogs are most commonly known as lap dogs Oriental Emperors and
courtiers carried them around in their copious sleeves!
Information
about Toy Dogs
To discover more about
the various specific breeds of Toy Dogs, their origins, history, temperaments and
characteristics - please follow one of the following links below:
